Question
the side of my foot has been hurting and I cannot walk on it I went to the doctors they said soft tissue damage but it seems to be getting worse. should I go back? and should I get crutches?

Answer
If you injured your foot and pain persists 3-5 days after the initial injury, I would return for further work-up.  Xrays should be performed to rule out fracture.  Ice the area 10-15 minutes per hour for 6 hours to reduce pain and swelling.  Use an ace wrap to compress the area if swollen.  Rest the foot and use an anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen for pain reduction.  If the foot is too painful to walk on, then crutches should be obtained as well as a surgical shoe or walking boot.  If pain persists, then soft tissue damage should be ruled out with an MRI.  

Sincerely,
Dr. Leslie Johnston, DPM

Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry

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